CO Activation with Manganese Tricarbonyl Complexes through an H-Atom Responsive Benzimidazole Ligand.

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of two manganese tricarbonyl complexes, Mn (HL)(CO) Br (1 a-Br) and Mn (MeL)(CO) Br (1 b-Br) (where HL=2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole; MeL=1-methyl-2-(2'-pyridy)benzimidazole) and assayed their electrocatalytic properties for CO reduction. A redox-active pyridine benzimidazole ancillary ligand in complex 1 a-Br displayed unique hydrogen atom transfer ability to facilitate electrocatalytic CO conversion at a markedly lower reduction potential than that observed for 1 b-Br. Notably, a one-electron reduction of 1 a-Br yields a structurally characterized H-bonded binuclear Mn(I) adduct (2 a') rather than the typically observed Mn(0)-Mn(0) dimer, suggesting a novel method for CO activation.

Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Capture and Concentration.

Electrochemical carbon capture and concentration (eCCC) offers a promising alternative to thermochemical processes as it circumvents the limitations of temperature-driven capture and release. This review will discuss a wide range of eCCC approaches, starting with the first examples reported in the 1960s and 1970s, then transitioning into more recent approaches and future outlooks. For each approach, the achievements in the field, current challenges, and opportunities for improvement will be described.